Using The For Sale Forum

[Paul Raposo]

Hey all.

I've decided I'd like to start looking for an Explorer II. I owned one back in '92-'93, but had to let it go, and I'd like to own one again.

I was hoping I could get some advice on using the For Sale message board here. Tips, protocol, etc.

What type of questions should I ask sellers?
I'd prefer to buy within Canada, but if I need to consider as US based seller, is there an issue with bringing a Rolex into Canada?
Is it rude to post a sellers listing to ask opinions from other members?

Any advice, or opinions from experienced users would be greatly appreciated. I've only ever bought through eBay and Kijiji, and I've never used this type of forum for a major purchase.

[dcash0615]

I would try and purchase from a reputable seller in your home country to avoid shipping across borders. Always buy the seller, not the watch. This means know who your are dealing with. Do your research an check references. Good luck and post photos of your new watch.

Originally Posted by Paul Raposo

Hey all.

I've decided I'd like to start looking for an Explorer II. I owned one back in '92-'93, but had to let it go, and I'd like to own one again.

I was hoping I could get some advice on using the For Sale message board here. Tips, protocol, etc.

What type of questions should I ask sellers?
I'd prefer to buy within Canada, but if I need to consider as US based seller, is there an issue with bringing a Rolex into Canada?
Is it rude to post a sellers listing to ask opinions from other members?

Any advice, or opinions from experienced users would be greatly appreciated. I've only ever bought through eBay and Kijiji, and I've never used this type of forum for a major purchase.

[Paul Raposo]

Originally Posted by dcash0615

I would try and purchase from a reputable seller in your home country to avoid shipping across borders. Always buy the seller, not the watch. This means know who your are dealing with. Do your research an check references. Good luck and post photos of your new watch.

Thank you, dcash0615. Within Canada would be ideal.

So, should I ask the seller for his references?

[snaggle]

Questions you should ask is anything you need to know that is not written honestly...

As for Canada question, take a look at this, it should answer your questions..

http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=222652

[Paul Raposo]

Originally Posted by snaggle

Questions you should ask is anything you need to know that is not written honestly...

As for Canada question, take a look at this, it should answer your questions..

http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=222652

Thanks, snaggle. The main questions I plan to ask is, "How is the watch running--fast, or slow, and by how many seconds per day?" A lot of watch listings always seem to have "Running great!" with no specifics. And, "When was the movement last serviced?"

And thanks for that link. cdnwatchguy made a very good point, and one I've had in the back of my mind for some weeks now:

also, if it comes by courier like FedEx or UPS you will be charge brokerage fees by them and that can tack on another $100 or so.

I know I'm looking at $5 plus HST, but I'd like to avoid those brokerage fees.

[Alcan]

Originally Posted by Paul Raposo

I know I'm looking at $5 plus HST, but I'd like to avoid those brokerage fees.

You're also looking at 5% of the declared value. I've made many US watch purchases, including this one last week:

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=224628

Whenever I can, I have the seller ship USPS Registered to avoid some brokerage fees, but sometimes that's not an option and I'll bite the bullet if its a watch I really want at an attractive price.

[Paul Raposo]

Originally Posted by Alcan

You're also looking at 5% of the declared value. I've made many US watch purchases, including this one last week:

Whenever I can, I have the seller ship USPS Registered to avoid some brokerage fees, but sometimes that's not an option and I'll bite the bullet if its a watch I really want at an attractive price.

Thanks for the heads up on the 5%, Alcan. I didn't know the duty had been reinstated. It was just the $5 fee, plus GST, and PST for a number of years.

[MoBe]

Make a list of of every possible question you can think of to ask the seller and if he gets annoyed or even offensive,or if the answers sound too vague or unbelievable,just walk away.An honest seller will answer questions without problem and the answers will make sense.If you`re good at detecting BS then you will be fine.Determining whether the seller is genuine is much more important than the authenticity of the watch,if the seller is honest then the watch is likely to be good as well,just don`t forget to have a good look at it just in case.

Personally I would look for a Canadian deal to avoid taxes and duty,it will take longer but the savings are significant.

Good luck!

[Paul Raposo]

Originally Posted by MoBe

Make a list of of every possible question you can think of to ask the seller and if he gets annoyed or even offensive,or if the answers sound too vague or unbelievable,just walk away.An honest seller will answer questions without problem and the answers will make sense.If you`re good at detecting BS then you will be fine.Determining whether the seller is genuine is much more important than the authenticity of the watch,if the seller is honest then the watch is likely to be good as well,just don`t forget to have a good look at it just in case.

Personally I would look for a Canadian deal to avoid taxes and duty,it will take longer but the savings are significant.

Good luck!

Excellent points all around, MoBe, thank you very much